Baker McKenzie has expanded its leadership team in Australia with the appointment of Sarah Birrell as a Partner in the Energy practice in Melbourne and Victoria Lanyon as a Partner in the Tax practice in Sydney. Birrell joins from Allens, while Lanyon comes from King & Wood Mallesons, bringing deep expertise in energy, resources, and taxation law.
The hires underscore Baker McKenzie’s strategic investment in high-demand practice areas. Birrell brings two decades of experience advising on major energy and infrastructure projects, joint ventures, and M&A transactions. Lanyon specializes in complex tax matters, including corporate acquisitions, divestments, and federal and state royalty compliance for large multinational corporations.
The firm’s Australian tax practice — already one of the largest in the country — was recently recognized as Tax Disputes Firm of the Year and Indirect Tax Firm of the Year 2025 by the ITR APAC Tax Awards.
KEY QUOTES
“Sarah comes to us with 20 years’ experience advising mining, energy and infrastructure clients on projects, JVs, M&A and divestments. She is a terrific addition to our busy and growing, national energy practice.”
Anne-Marie Allgrove, National Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie
“Victoria offers a wealth of experience in providing expert and commercially informed advice on all aspects of Australian taxation law to large multinational corporations. She is an impressive addition to our national tax practice — now one of the largest legal tax practices in the country.”
Anne-Marie Allgrove, National Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie
“Sarah perfectly complements the value we offer clients through a unique understanding of the global energy, mining and infrastructure sectors — both in terms of their regulatory environments and energy transition arrangements.”
Raymond Lou, Australian Head of Energy, Baker McKenzie
“Victoria is well known for her technical excellence and commercial acumen. I am thrilled to welcome her to our firm.”
Simone Bridges, Australian Head of Tax, Baker McKenzie
